Arthur Milnes Walking Tour

Embark on a 1-hour walking tour with local legend, Arthur Milnes, and begin your journey into a world of Canadian Prime Ministers, US Presidents, Indigenous leaders, Governors General, mediums, spirits and the Queen, herself. You’ll also hear about literary legends such as Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemmingway who play supporting roles in Kingston’s story.

Local History Comes to Life

Your tour begins at the Visitor Information Centre, located at 209 Ontario Street, in the heart of downtown Kingston, Ontario – a city shaped by wind, fire, trade, art, and war. Explore Kingston’s political and historic past on this guided walking tour, lasting 45 mins to 1 hour, always lead by Arthur Milnes.

Our downtown walking tour leader, Arthur Milnes, is Kingston’s story-teller-in-chief. He’s also one of the most unique Kingstonians you’ll meet while in town. Arthur and his wife hosted an American President and his First Lady for an overnight at their Kingston home; he served as a speechwriter to the Prime Minister of Canada, and was memoirs’ assistant to another PM. Arthur even bonded with the rock star Bono of U2, while attending Nelson Mandela’s funeral in South Africa in 2013. With Arthur as your guide, you’ll enter into the Kingston world of the ever-controversial Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister; learn the inspiring story of Kingston Indigenous hero, Molly Brant; hear about the visits to the city by Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemmingway, and, laugh along as Arthur describes the zany night he spent at a local pub with the Speaker of the British House of Commons. The tours last 45 minutes to an hour – or longer once you get Arthur talking. He’s the Energizer Bunny of local history. You’ll soon learn why.

Walking Tour Highlights

Downtown Kingston

The tour winds through the centuries in our historic downtown.

Departing from Confederation Park

Walking Tours depart from the Kingston Visitor Information Centre, 209 Ontario St, located in Confederation Park.

Schedule

Tours depart Wed-Sat at 4pm.

See videos from two former Canadian Prime Ministers, welcoming you to the Arthur Milnes Walking Tour: